Category: Announcements

Inauguration Support

Posted on by Erica Pearson

Need support post-inauguration? The Counseling Center can help. Working one on one with an objective and supportive licensed counselor can provide the opportunity to explore feelings and work through challenges. Counseling can help you to express your emotions, gain a new perspective, solve a problem, or learn techniques to reduce distress.

Sign up for an Inauguration Support session. Select “Inauguration Support” from the iPads in the lobby of the Counseling Center in Hicks Center OR at counselingsignup.kzoo.edu using your K College username and password. From there, you will fill out pre-appointment paperwork and schedule a 30-minute one-time session with a licensed counselor.

You always have the option to call K’s 24/7 Support Line at 833-646-1526 to speak with an on-call licensed counselor anytime, anywhere.

Uwill Teletherapy Services Available Over Winter Break

Posted on by Erica Pearson

The Counseling Center will be closed for winter break after November 22, but we are happy to be able to provide continued services through our partnership with Uwill.

Uwill offers students immediate access to teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, and wellness programming through its online platform at no cost. Each academic year, K students receive free 8 telehealth sessions via video, phone, or messaging.

To schedule teletherapy: 

  • Create a profile with Uwill 
  • Choose a therapist based on your preferences including availability, issue, gender, language, ethnicity. 
  • Choose a time that fits your schedule with day, night and weekend availability. 

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available 24/7. Call 833.646.1526. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. 

Uwill also provides students free access to on-demand wellness programming through its easy-to-use online platform. Select wellness from the left navigation and relax and recharge your mind and body with a wide range of wellness such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and more! Allow Uwill to help you discover greater focus and balance as you navigate time away from K. 

We will reopen for winter term on January 6. We hope you have a restful and joyous break!

Vision Board Making Group

Posted on by Erica Pearson

Come join us for an end of term vision board making group! The focus of these groups is to explore who you are and goals that you have for yourself. Join us for community-building, conversation, and a creative outlet! Supplies will be provided, though you are also welcome to bring any pictures, cutouts, stickers, etc. that you have if you would like. We will meet Tuesday, November 19th, from 4pm to 6pm in Hicks Lower Atrium.

Election Support

Posted on by Erica Pearson

Need support during election week? Maybe you’re feeling anxious about the election process and the implications of the outcome of the election. Maybe you’re feeling angry or frustrated with others who have differing values and beliefs. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of news and information surrounding this election. Maybe you’re feeling helpless about situations outside of your control.

The Counseling Center can help. Working one on one with an objective and supportive licensed counselor can provide the opportunity to explore feelings and work through challenges. Counseling can help you to express your emotions, gain a new perspective, solve a problem, or learn techniques to reduce distress.

Sign up for an Election Support session. Select “Election Support” from the iPads in the lobby of the Counseling Center in Hicks Center OR at counselingsignup.kzoo.edu using your K College username and password. From there, you will fill out pre-appointment paperwork and schedule a 30-minute one-time session with a licensed counselor.

You always have the option to call K’s 24/7 Support Line at 833-646-1526 to speak with an on-call licensed counselor anytime, anywhere.

UPDATE: Mental Fitness Series for Student Athletes

Posted on by Erica Pearson

The Counseling Center’s Mental Fitness Series for Student Athletes, led by Becca Jokinen, MA, LPC, NCC, DTLLP and Anderson Boatman, MA, LPC, DTLLP, has a location update. The next 3 workshops will take place on Wednesdays, October 30th, November 6th, and November 13th from 4:30pm to 5:30pm in Dewing 114.

The 3 workshop topics are: Stress and Pressure, Failure and Setback, and Balancing It All. Please see attached flyer for more information and to RSVP. We hope to see you there!

Mental Fitness Series for Student Athletes

Posted on by Erica Pearson

The Counseling Center is excited to launch our Mental Fitness Series for Student Athletes! Lead by Becca Jokinen, MA, LPC, NCC, DTLLP and Anderson Boatman, MA, LPC, DTLLP, this series will explore the mental health concerns that many student athletes face. Please join us at the introductory workshop on Wednesday, October 16th from 4:30pm to 5:30pm in the Olmsted Room in Mandelle Hall. Pizza and pop will be provided!

Future workshop topics include Stress and Pressure, Failure and Setbacks, and How To Balance It All. Please see attached flyer for more information and to RSVP. We hope to see you there!

Uwill Teletherapy Services Available Over Summer Break

Posted on by Erica Pearson

The Counseling Center will be closing its doors for summer break after June 7, but we are happy to be able to provide continued services through our partnership with Uwill.

Uwill offers students immediate access to teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, and wellness programming through its online platform at no cost. Each academic year, K students receive free 8 telehealth sessions via video, phone, or messaging.

To schedule teletherapy: 

  • Create a profile with Uwill 
  • Choose a therapist based on your preferences including availability, issue, gender, language, ethnicity. 
  • Choose a time that fits your schedule with day, night and weekend availability. 

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available 24/7. Call 833.646.1526. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. 

Uwill also provides students free access to on-demand wellness programming through its easy-to-use online platform. Select wellness from the left navigation and relax and recharge your mind and body with a wide range of wellness such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and more! Allow Uwill to help you discover greater focus and balance as you navigate time away from K. 

Meet the Counselors of Spring Term: HanaLi Gilbert

Posted on by Erica Pearson

HanaLi Gilbert, MA, DTLLP (she/her)

Professional/Educational Background: I am working as an intern at the Counseling Center for the 2023-24 academic year while I work towards my Ph.D. in counseling psychology at Western Michigan University. I really enjoy working with college-aged students, which makes K-College an exciting internship site! My clinical experience has included conducting individual and group counseling at an elementary school, university training clinic, and private practice setting.  

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI – If you visit, I highly recommend checking out the Mitten Brewing Company for great pizza!  

Pets: I am a huge dog lover and have two family pets – a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Penelope and a Yorkie Coton mix named Lily!  

Psychology Book Recommendation: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb – the book is a memoir that combines humor, humility, and honesty to talk about the author’s personal and professional journey as both a client and a therapist. I highly recommend this read for anyone wanting to learn more about one person’s journey through therapy!  

Hobby: I really enjoy checking out local thrift stores and second-hand markets for cool and funky clothing and home goods!  

Learn more about HanaLi on the Counseling Center’s staff page!

Meet the Counselors of Spring Term: Jenny Deren

Posted on by Erica Pearson

Jenny Deren, MA, DTLLP (she/her)

Professional/Education Background: I am an intern at the K-College counseling center while I earn my PhD in Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University! Throughout my program, I have had many clinical experiences such as conducting psychological assessments, working with refugees, conducting group therapy, and working in the private practice setting. I love working with college students though – which is why I am at K! 

Hometown: Chicago-ish – specifically Park Ridge, IL which borders the city.  

Favorite Coping Skill: My favorite coping skill is a combination of five senses (something you can touch, feel, see, hear, and taste) and walking meditation. Often in the hustle and bustle of college, you miss the seasons changing. Spring is the perfect time to take note of changes on campus – what can you see, what can you hear? Taste can be a tough one though! 

Favorite Animal(s): I couldn’t choose just one – dogs and penguins. 

A reason that I love my job is: As a therapist, it is such a privilege to hear someone else’s story – especially considering it might be the first time that someone is telling that story. Through therapy, our stories are recognized, sometimes edited, and new chapters are added.  

Favorite Ice-Cream Flavor: Chocolate and vanilla, side by side, not mixed! 

Picture of Jenny Deren and her dog, a golden retriever

Learn more about Jenny on the Counseling Center’s staff page!

Meet the Counselors of Spring Term: Erica Pearson

Posted on by Erica Pearson

Erica Pearson, Ph.D., LPC, NCC (she/her)

Professional/Education Background: I am a licensed and board-certified professional counselor with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision and MA in Counseling. I started working with college students from the very beginning of my career because I love being able to support emerging adults with life transitions, coping skill development, and identity exploration. I have also worked in jails providing therapy to underserved and historically oppressed populations, including communities who are overrepresented in the legal system such as BIPOC individuals and individuals with severe mental illness. Animal-assisted therapy is a clinical and research interest of mine, and I have worked with my trained and registered therapy dog, Noodles, since 2016.  

Hometown: Clarkston, MI—just like how Kalamazoo is right between Detroit and Chicago, Clarkston is right between Detroit and Flint. 

Favorite Coping Skill: I credit box breathing (breathing in for 4 counts, holding for 4, breathing out for 4, and holding for 4) with my ability to move through the anxiety that comes up while doing challenging things. If you’ve attended one of my presentations on campus, know that I was doing some box breathing before I stepped up to the podium!  

Hobby: I love to hike, craft (crochet, cross stitch, embroidery), and read (thrillers are my favorite!). 

Learn more about Dr. Pearson on the Counseling Center’s staff page!